A medical perspective of the practice of semi-permanent makeup in South Korea

Abstract

Background: Despite existing problems with infection control and healthcare regulations associated with semi-permanent makeup, its practice by non-medical personnel at non-healthcare institutions continues to pose fatal risks to the safety of the community.Objective: The aim of this study is to seek for improvement measures on the Korean legal system regarding the practice of semipermanent makeup by investigating current conditions of the procedure and materials used, reviewing past clinical reports of complications associated with tattooing, and assessing domestic and foreign laws and regulations of semi-permanent makeup.Methods: Both domestic and foreign studies and publications on the regulatory system with regards to semi-permanent makeup, in addition to clinical cases of complications associated with semi-permanent makeup, were reviewed.Results: Tattoo procedures in South Korea and Japan are strictly restricted to medical personnel, while other countries also regulate the practice of tattoo with a license-based system rather than a qualification-based system such that non-medical personnel can perform under medical supervision. The duration and placement of pigments in the dermis of the skin and its possible complications associated with the procedure have been confirmed; short-term side effects are bleeding, infection, allergic reaction and Koebner phenomenon, and long-term side effects are foreign body reaction, granuloma. Local infections caused from tattoos include warts, herpes simplex; systemic infections include hepatitis B and C, HIV; toxic immune reactions include erythema multiforme, vasculitis, granuloma. To address these issues, examination of patient history for potential indications, established protocol for medical waste management, and stringent regulations for hygiene product management are necessary. Conclusion:Measures such as the establishment of a license-issuance system that is inclusive of education and training on the proper practice of semi-permanent makeup and stricter management of tattoo-related materials and devices should be enforced in order to ensure infection control and the safety of the public health.